〃our gentleman knows all about them。 I wonder now; yes; I wonder!〃
Chapter 18
DEREK LUNCHES
Derek Kettering went straight to the Negresco; where he ordered a couple of cocktails and disposed of them rapidly; then he stared moodily out over the dazzling blue sea。 He noted the passers…by mechanically … a damned dull crowd; badly dressed; and painfully uninteresting; one hardly ever saw anything worth while nowadays。 Then he corrected this last impression rapidly; as a woman placed herself at a table a little distance away from him。 She was wearing a marvellous confection of orange and black; with a little hat that shaded her face。 He ordered a third cocktail; again he stared out to sea; and then suddenly he started。 A well…known perfume assailed his nostrils; and he looked up to see the orange…and…black lady standing beside him。 He saw her face now; and recognized her … it was Mirelle。 She was smiling that insolent; seductive smile he knew so well。
〃Dereek!〃 she murmured。 〃You are pleased to see me; no?〃
She dropped into a seat the other side of the table。
〃But wele me; then; stupid one;〃 she mocked。
〃This is an unexpected pleasure;〃 said Derek。 〃When did you leave London?〃
She shrugged her shoulders。
〃A day or two ago。〃
〃And the Parthenon?〃
〃I have; how do you say it? … given them the chuck!〃
〃Really?〃
〃You are not very amiable; Dereek。〃
〃Do you expect me to be?〃
Mirelle lit a cigarette and puffed at it for a few minutes before saying:
〃You think; perhaps; that it is not prudent so soon?〃
Derek stared at her; then he shrugged his shoulders; and remarked formally:
〃You are lunching here?〃
〃Mais oui。 I am lunching with you。〃
〃I am ext